Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - September 8, 2023
Despite a Chiefs’ loss last night (an exciting game and one that will help them in the rest of the season – yes, I’m that guy who sees the cup as half full!), I’ve got a lot to celebrate with you today! Last Sunday afternoon we had 65 children, youth and adults baptized in three separate services – it was very cool. We had a great crowd for worship as we learned about and then experienced Holy Communion – worship attendance was way up over last year at all locations. We have also had a terrific kick-off for our fall ministries. And, our Resurrection Recovery ministry received word that we have been awarded a grant to increase the reach of this important program (more on that later in this eNote).
It’s been an exciting week! This weekend we kick-off a really important focus for our congregation. You won’t want to miss it!
THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: “GENERATION TO GENERATION”
This weekend we’re kicking of a new sermon series focused on passing on our faith to future generations and preparing the church for an exciting future. The series is called Generation to Generation and this weekend’s message title is from the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young song, “Teach Your Children Well.” We’ll start with the story behind that song, then turn to Psalm 78, one of several psalms (the Greek word psalm means song) intended to teach the faith to future generations. We’ll then look at some sobering statistics about the decline in the number of Christians in America and ask what we can do about this as individuals and as a church. I’ll share with you a part of an interview I did with six of our youth from across our locations that will leave you hopeful.
Generation to Generation is not only our sermon series, but also our theme for our annual stewardship campaign and our capital campaign to create exciting new spaces for our children and/or youth at each location while continuing to care for our adult members. Next week, we’ll be sharing those plans at each location. At the end of the month we’ll be inviting you to return your annual ministry fund commitment and to pray about returning a commitment to make the new or renovated spaces possible.
FOCUS ON MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH THIS MONTH
- Resurrection Recovery Panel – Thursday, September 14, 5:30 pm in the Leawood Foundry. Our Recovery Ministry will host an awesome panel discussion of experts moderated by Channel 9 News Anchor, Lara Moritz, and together they’ll be discussing addiction and what we can to do combat its effects.
- Women’s Health Today – At this event on Tuesday, September 19, 6 pm at our Leawood Location, our United Women in Faith (formerly UMW) has invited a panel of experts to address current women’s health concerns.
- Nurturing Minds Panel – On Friday, September 22, 5:30 pm we’re hosting an event that will feature a panel of mental health professionals who will be offering insights and practical strategies for fostering positive mental well-being in your daily life.
AFFIRMATIONS TOMORROW NIGHT!
LaVon and I are excited to see you at the Affirmations Night of Worship – a powerful music event tomorrow night, Saturday, September 9, at 6:30 pm in the Leawood Sanctuary. Led by Isaac Cates, our Director of Music Outreach, the event will feature a 128 voice gospel choir from across Kansas City, including the Kansas City Boys and Girls Choir that sang at the Chiefs game last night, and over 100 adult singers.
Isaac is known around the world for his music. He’s led gospel choirs and taught choral conducting across Europe, conducting an 1,100-voice choir in Sweden this last year. He’s performing at Carnegie Hall this fall. Millions have enjoyed his music. Don’t miss this special night.
- Affirmations sing-along playlist link
- “It’s Working” Youtube link
- “It’s Working” download link on Apple music
RESURRECTION RECOVERY RECEIVES GRANT FROM STATE OF KANSAS
Last week, Resurrection Recovery received a grant of $199,946, as one of the 33 recipients of grants totalling $6 million awarded by the Kansas Fights Addiction Act Grant Review Board. The grants come from money recovered by the Attorney General’s office through opioid settlement funds. Eligible agencies, entities and nonprofit organizations that are working to abate the drug abuse crisis across the state through treatment and support of individuals with opiod and substance-use disorders are eligible to apply for a grant.
We currently have 1,400 people each week involved in one of our Recovery groups across many of our locations and in the community. The grant will allow Resurrection Recovery to expand and enhance the ministry by helping fund a second recovery pastor, in addition to Pastor Tom Langhofer, and support treatment assistance, recovery speakers and panel events. This new recovery pastor position is open, so if you or someone you know is interested, you can learn more and apply here.
KINDERGARTENERS LEARNING THE LORD’S PRAYER
I’m so excited that we’re offering an amazing event for Kindergarteners – a prayer retreat just for them and their families on Sunday, September 24 at all of our locations. In Sunday School, our kindergartners will be learning the Lord’s Prayer. And we will recognize them in worship. Then at 12:30 pm (11 am Downtown) there will be a fun event for kindergarteners and their families as we explore what it means to pray as Jesus taught us. You can learn more and register here.
FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST FOR MEN
All men in the Kansas City area are invited to join us on Tuesday, September 12, for our Men’s Fellowship Kick-off Breakfast with Pastor Scott Chrostek. Breakfast is at 7 am in the Leawood Foundry (Building B). Here’s the link to reserve your spot.
NATIONAL SERVE DAY COMING UP SEPT. 16
MALAWI MEDICAL TRIP 2024
If you are a medical professional and have ever thought about a mission trip, now is the time to seriously consider it. We are inviting qualified medical professionals to be part of the 2024 Malawi Mission Trip, scheduled for June 6 – 17. You could make a significant impact by joining this important trip. Your expertise is highly valued, and we encourage willing doctors and nurses to consider being part of this meaningful endeavor. For more information or to sign up, click here or email James Abbott in Global missions.
VESPERS THIS TUESDAY NIGHT: LESSONS ON FAITH FROM THE CHIEFS’ LOSS!
Each Tuesday from 7:30 to 8:15 pm Central Time, I go live on Facebook to talk about where faith meets daily life. I’m thinking this week we’ll spend a little time talking about the Chiefs’ loss and lessons from it for faith and life. You can join me live, or catch it on the replay on my Facebook page here, or on the church’s YouTube page after Wednesday.
It’s going to be a great weekend, with Affirmations Saturday night and our regular weekend worship. I’ll see some of you at the Miracle of Innocence Gala tonight – I’ve got two events this evening so will be there early to support Darryl Burton and then on to another commitment.
Adam
PS: Don’t forget to check your location email on Tuesday for more opportunities or go to cor.org/next on our website.
Adam Hamilton
Resurrection Senior Pastor
Reverend Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection and the author of 22 books. He has been married to LaVon since 1982, and she has been a critical partner in every dimension of Adam’s work. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.
Adam’s writings are known for helping readers make sense of challenging theological questions, exploring the significance of the biblical stories, and equipping Christian leaders to be more effective in their work. He earned his MDiv from Perkins School of Theology and graduated with honors from Oral Roberts University with a degree in Pastoral Ministry.
